Authorities in Rumbek Central County, Lakes State, have imposed a 14-day night curfew following deadly clashes involving armed youths from rival communities.
Acting County Commissioner Padhil Maker Dhuol announced the curfew on Monday, saying it would run daily from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. to prevent further violence and revenge attacks.
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj, Commissioner Dhuol urged residents to remain indoors during curfew hours, saying security forces would patrol residential areas to prevent looting and identify people suspected of planning retaliatory attacks.
The order follows intercommunal violence on Oct. 8 and 9 that left scores dead and others wounded. The fighting affected residential areas of Rumbek town, forcing some residents to flee to nearby villages.
“The curfew is not to punish the people, but to protect lives, protect property, and prevent further revenge killings. This is for your own safety,” Dhuol said.
He also ordered armed cattle keepers to stay away from Rumbek town and called on young people, women, elders and traditional chiefs to cooperate with security forces to maintain law and order.
“Let us all cooperate with this order. Peace is in our hands,” he said.
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